Title
Resolution to Approve Participation in 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Regional Grant (AFG) from the US Department of Homeland Security ($1,093,850.87), and Appropriate Share of Matching Grant Funds ($22,164.50) (Fund RIT training) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The attached resolution approves the Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) agency participation in the Superior Township Fire Department application for a 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Regional Grant (AFG) from the US Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security requires a resolution documenting City Council's authorization of the administrative and budget actions necessary to implement the grant if received.
The Assistance to Firefighters grant program (AFGP) would fund Rapid Intervention Team training and equipment for fire departments within Washtenaw County. The training and performance requirements for rapid intervention crews (RIC) have the goal of creating a highly disciplined operational capability to rescue fire fighters who become lost, injured, trapped, incapacitated, or disoriented in the course of an emergency scene or training operation. The Ann Arbor Fire Department personnel have not been trained in Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) training for over nine years.
The anticipated grant amount is $1,215,389.85. All fifteen Washtenaw County Fire Departments have agreed to participate and are responsible for a share of the 10% match to the grant ($121,538.98) defined by the number of each department's personnel. The Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) will be responsible for funding their portion of the 10% of grant monies, at $22,164.50. The City's portion will be appropriated from General Fund balance to the Fire Service Unit without regard to fiscal year, if the grant is received.
Taking a regional approach in supplying this National Standard RIC training to all fifteen Fire Departments within Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor Township, City of Ann Arbor, City of Chelsea, City of Milan, City of Saline, City of Ypsilanti, Dexter Area, Pittsfield Township, Manchester Township, Northfield Township, Salem Township, Scio Township, Superior Township, Ypsilanti Township, and Van Buren Township) will improve team work and expectations among mutual aid departments on fire scenes.
Staff
Prepared by: Asst. Chief Ellen Taylor, AAFD
Reviewed by: Chief John Seto, AAPD, Safety Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Fire Department is seeking to continue their participation as a partner on a regional AFG grant application hosted by Superior Township Fire Department, for Rapid Intervention Crew Training and Rapid Intervention Crew equipment;
Whereas, If the Superior Township Fire Department is awarded the grant in the amount of $1,215,389.85, the City of Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) will be required to match their share ($22,164.50) of the 10% matching grant terms of $121,538.89;
Whereas, Part of the city's commitment is to provide its fire fighting personnel a safer and more professional workforce;
Whereas, The approval of continuing the application and accepting this regional AFG grant will provide necessary training in highly disciplined operational capabilities to rescue fire fighters who become lost, injured, trapped, incapacitated, or disoriented in the course of an emergency scene or training operation;
Whereas, The grant will provide funding for training, and overtime backfill along with Rapid Intervention Crew equipment for each participating Fire Department;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve AAFD continuation as a regional partner participator with Superior Township Fire Department for Assistance to Firefighters Regional Grant (AFG), and subject to grant award to Superior Township, accept partnership requirements from the US Department of Homeland Security for RIC training and equipment, including required AAFD's share of grant local funding,
RESOLVED, That on receipt of award notice from Superior Township, City Council appropriate the necessary ten percent (10%) matching funds of $22,164.50 from General Fund Balance to the Fire Unit budget to be available for expenditure by AAFD for this Project without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That on receipt of award notice from Superior Township, the City Administrator is directed to establish a Major Grant Fund for this Project and transfer all matching funding to the major grant fund for grant management and expenditure of the funds by AAFD for the life of the Project without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That if Superior Township Fire Department is awarded the grant, the Mayor. City Clerk, and Fire Chief are authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the City as an agency participant any required supporting grant documentation after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this Resolution.